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When you get to camp, the deck and aluminum extension bars turn into a large table for cooking and food prep. The Wingman turns a canoe into a really stable mother ship, capable of carrying fresh food and cold drinks, and accommodating large dogs or standing anglers. Who really wants the raft and all the fussiness it calls for anyway?

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Jackson Kayak Tip of the Week By Zofia Tula Flatwater paddling allows us to focus on the small things, which in turn improves our freestyle kayaking. I think this is especially true for women who have a harder time covering up improper technique with strength. And all paddlers can benefit from learning symmetry and proper

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By Sam Boykin While visiting Charlotte, N.C., this summer, 18-year-old Lauren Seitz, along with several other members of the Westerville, Ohio, church choir, decided to check out the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC). The sprawling outdoor sports complex has mountain bike trails, rock climbing walls and ziplines. But the main attraction is the Class IV

Whitewater Giants Honored

The International Whitewater Hall of Fame and Museum recognizes and honors individuals who have made significant accomplishments in and contributions to whitewater related activities. The following inductees are being honored in the outlined categories:

Rob Lesser, Boise, Idaho – set the standard for exploratory kayaking on big, Class V, water; first to run the Grand Canyon of the Stikine in Northern Canada, the North Fork of the Payette; several first descents on difficult rivers in U.S. and Canada.

Champions

Davey Hearn, Bethesda, Maryland – two time World Champion gold medalist in single canoe (C-1), six times team gold, and eight times a silver medalist; dominating force in canoe slalom producing paddling techniques and boat design innovations over a 26 year competitive career; holder of Top 10 Sportsman of the Year award by U.S. Olympic Committee.

Jon Lugbill, Richmond, Virginia – only athlete in history to have won 12 World Championship gold medals; recognized as best paddler ever in whitewater canoeing (C-1) competition; NBC commentator in two Olympics; winner of Wheaties “Search for Champions”, U.S. Olympic Top 10 Sportsman of the Year and several other national awards.

Advocate

Payson Kennedy, Wesser, North Carolina – co-founded Nantahala Outdoor Center built it into the largest outdoor/education/training center in the world – won six National Championships in two-man canoe (C-2); ardent supporter of slalom and wildwater racing helping to produce several U.S. Olympic racers.

Charlie Walbridge, Bruceton Mills, West Virginia – work in whitewater safety and rescue saved countless lives and is known and imitated worldwide – numerous accomplishments and contributions including safety/rescue devices, speaking engagements and publications over 40 year active participation – many National honors.

Life Time Achievement Award

Established and sponsored by the Adventure Sports Center International Board of Directors was awarded this year to Bill Endicott in recognition and honor for his outstanding and substantial life-long contributions to whitewater sports and related activities nationally and internationally.

Bill Endicott, Bethesda, Maryland – US Whitewater Team Coach for 16 years; vastly influenced whitewater slalom in the US and Internationally for 30 years; coached athletes who won 57 medals in World Championship, World Cup, and Olympic competitions, 27 of them gold; co-created the Canoe Slalom World Cup held on at least two continents every year since 1988; authored five books on whitewater and racing.